Aminoglycoside Antibiotics
Synonyms
Aminoglycosides
Definition
Aminoglycoside antibiotics are bacteriostatic, that
means they impede the bacteria’s growth. This is
achieved by a change in the permeability of the bacterial
cell wall or disturbances of metabolism. The highest
efficacy is seen for gram-negative germs. In comparison
with other antibiotics, aminoglycosides have only a narrow
therapeutic range. Overdose may result in damage
to hearing, the organ of equilibriumor the kidneys (otoand
nephrotoxic side effects). Nevertheless, especially
in a severe septic course of a disease, aminoglycosides
are indispensable antibiotic therapy. Apart from local
application as salves or drops (which can, for example
be used for infections of the eyes), aminoglycosides can
only be given parenterally.
Tags: aminoglycoside antibiotics, aminoglycosides, antibiotic therapy, bacteria, bacterial cell wall, bacteriostatic, efficacy, germs, kidneys, metabolism, permeability, salves, synonyms, therapeutic range
